Monaghan continue 100% record in Ladies National League

Goalkeeper Linda Martin was among the goalscorers as Monaghan made it five wins from five outings in Division 1 of the Tesco Homegrown Ladies National League on Sunday afternoon.

Gregory McGonigle’s side enjoyed a 4-09 to 1-06 on their travels against Laois to maintain their 100% record.

Martin pounced on the rebound after her penalty struck the crossbar and experienced forward Niamh Kindlon also netted for Monaghan in the first half.

The Ulster champions led by 2-06 to 0-02 at half-time before Therese McNally and Ciara McAnespie grabbed second half goals. Martina Dunne scored a consolation goal for Laois.

Barring a miracle, Meath looked doomed to relegation after losing to Donegal in Dunganny. Donegal secured top flight football for next season with a 2-11 to 2-08 victory.

A haul of 2-3 from Katie O’Brien was not enough for Meath as Geraldine McLaughlin bagged 1-09 for Donegal.

Wing-back Deirdre Foley scored the other goal for the north-westerners.

And Dublin enjoyed a 3-07 to 0-06 victory over Tyrone at UCD. Noelle Healy scored Dublin’s first half goal as Paul Gilheaney’s charges led by 1-04 to 0-03 at half-time.

Dublin’s win was marred, however, by an injury to captain Sinead Goldrick in the first half.

Dublin substitute Hannah Tyrell and Natalia Hyland added second half goals for the Sky Blues. In poor weather conditions, Dublin scored all but a point of their winning tally from play.

And on Saturday, Cork consolidated their position in second place with a 2-10 to 1-11 win over Mayo in Claremorris.

First half goals from Valerie Mulcahy and Rhona Ní Bhuachalla helped the TG4 All-Ireland senior champions to lead by 2-4 to 0-3 at half-time.

Aileen Gilroy pulled a goal back for Mayo in the second half but the Westerners now have some work to do if they’re to make the top four. Mayo were reduced to 14 players late on when Claire Egan was dismissed on a second yellow card.

In Division 2, the four semi-finalists are now confirmed. Kerry, Galway, Westmeath and Kildare will make up the last four with the final round of fixtures to decide the semi-final pairings.

2012 All-Ireland senior finalists Kerry are top of the table after a 2-11 to 2-09 victory over Kildare and Galway’s 1-05 to 1-03 victory over Westmeath moves the Westerners into second place.

Fermanagh and Cavan were also victorious in Division 2 while in Division 3, there were victories for Longford, Tipperary, Sligo and Armagh.